Study Abroad

Health Professions in Mexico

CLOSED

January 2 - 23, 2009

This intensive three-week program offers students an overview of the Mexican healthcare system while advancing their Spanish language skills in a total-immersion environment. The program is based in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Known as the City of Eternal Spring, Cuernavaca enjoys year-round semi-tropical weather and is about a one-hour drive south of Mexico City. As the former ancient Aztec town of Cuauhnahuac, Cuernavaca is rich in history and has a population of over 500,000.

Students will participate in site visits to health care institutions and organizations in the local area and attend lectures by guest speakers regarding related topics. Participants will also take a Spanish language course at the Spanish Language Institute (SLI) taught by SLI staff members. Language courses are available at all levels (beginner to advanced) including grammar, conversation, literature, and culture and civilization. Participants will also spend time learning medical related vocabulary.

The program includes excursions to the Teotihuacan Pyramids, Mexico City, and Xochicalco archaeological site. Optional day trips and weekend excursions are available for an additional fee.

Instructor: Prof. Sonia Lawson, Towson University Occupational Therapy Dept.

Course: HLTH 495/595 (3 credits) plus SPAN and/or Foreign Language elective (3 credits).

TU students may receive Honors credit for their study abroad experience - click here for more information.

Students will take a placement test upon arrival in Mexico to determine which Spanish class will be taken at the Spanish Language Institute. The following courses are available:

SPAN 101: Spanish Elements I 3 credits
Principles of Spanish grammar; drills in pronunciations; elementary conversation; composition; readings. TU GenEd II.C.1.

SPAN 102: Spanish Elements II 3 credits
Review and further study of grammar principles; pronunciation; conversation; composition; readings. Prerequisite: SPAN 101. TU GenEd II.C.1.

SPAN 201: Spanish Intermediate I 3 credits
Review of grammar and pronunciation; conversation; composition; reading of cultural texts; oral and written exercises. Prerequisite: SPAN 102 or equivalent. TU GenEd II.C.3.

SPAN 202: Spanish Intermediate II 3 credits
Advanced grammar structures; conversation; composition; reading of cultural texts; oral and written exercises. Prerequisite: SPAN 201 or equivalent.

SPAN 301: Composition and Conversation I 3 credits
Reading, conversation and composition on topics of cultural and literary interest; grammar and syntax. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or equivalent. GenEd II.C.3.

SPAN 302: Composition and Conversation II 3 credits
Reading, conversation and composition on topics of cultural and literary interest; review of grammar and syntax as needed. Prerequisite: SPAN 301 or equivalent. GenEd II.C.3.

Cost:* $3,300 includes tuition (6 credits), health insurance, roundtrip airfare, airport transfers to Cuernavaca, housing with a local Mexican family, 3 meals a day, and three one-day excursions. Additional costs include $150 study abroad fee, personal expenses.

*The Towson University Study Abroad Office reserves the right to make any necessary changes including adjustments in cost in the event that unforeseen circumstances arise.

Click here for information about scholarships.

Housing: Participants will live with a local Mexican family. The host family provides 3 meals a day and accommodation in a shared double room. Single-occupancy rooms are available for an additional fee.

Application Deadline: OCTOBER 15, 2008. Admission is on a rolling basis and early application is advised as space is limited. Students must hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

Application Process : Fill out the application (PDF) and submit it to the TU Study Abroad Office. $250 deposit. Non-TU Undergraduate students must also submit a completed Non-Degree Enrollment Application (PDF).

For further information: Contact Prof. Sonia Lawson , TU Occupational Therapy Dept., 410-704-2313 or the TU Study Abroad Office.

Study Abroad Office
Administration Building, 2nd Floor
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Phone: 410-704-2451

Fax: 410-704-4703
Email: studyabroad@towson.edu